Recruiting Report: Gavin Bates (2018)
Gavin Bates gave Sibley East opponents a recurring nightmare this winter and this spring with Comets Servaty Gavin is giving college coaches a lot to think about.
Sibley East Basketball. It was Marshall Bjorklund’s program not to long ago but since the Wolverines have been quiet. Not in 2016-17. Gavin scored 23.5 points per game for the 19-6 Sibley East squad and had a great time with his teammates along the way.
“I had a blast this season with a bunch of fun guys,” Bates told Prep Hoops. “We all came together as a team and always worked our butts off, but I guess the season didn’t end exactly like I wanted it to. We were upset in the first round of the section tourney.
“I came out of this season asking the same question you are asking me right now. Now sitting down just like I did for so many nights after that overtime loss wondering to myself what could have I done better or how could have I put my team in a better position to win that game.”
Sibley East lost Connor Kranz and Devon Schultz to graduating but Bates and double figure scoring Austin Weckwerth return and no, there will be no sneaking up on people for Sibley East next season. But the Wolverine motivation will be high.
The motivation comes from how the program grew, and what they learned from the year.
“Over the season I grew into the player I always wanted to be,” Bates said. “I knew when was the right time to make that pretty pass or drive the lane and finish or make a great defensive stop but I guess that all goes with how much I have matured from the beginning of the season to the end. I also grew into a massive leadership role for my team.
“A couple things that I will take away from it are that no matter what hustle! It honestly does wonders for me. I’m that type of player that even if I’m having a bad game then I do one thing good, the rest of the game is good for me.
“Another take away was that when the game is on the line and my team needs a basket to put us ahead I need to want the ball and deliver our team the victory.”
And what does Bates want to improve on for next year?
“I’m hoping to improve my jump shot and finishing through contact at the rim!”
Bates joined the Comets Servaty team that is coming off a strong Fury Shootout event and has a nice amount of players getting looks from the college level.
Comets Servaty is playing in the NY2LA Basketball League so their schedule is tough but they are playing better every game. The team is now 14-10 on the season.
“This Comets group of guys are a lot of fun to play with,” Gavin said. “The team challenges me to go my hardest at games or even in practice.
“This summer has challenged me by showing how in shape I have to be to be able to guard some of the best in state and how mentally ready you have to be coming into each game otherwise you won’t cut it.
“I’ve learned playing at this level is that I need to trust myself and have confidence in myself when I’m out on the court otherwise I’m not going anywhere.”
A strong share of local programs are in contact with Bates regularly.
“I’m hearing from Gustavus, St. John’s, Concordia Moorhead, Macalaster, Bemidji State, Minnesota-Duluth, Wayne State, and UW-Eau Claire. I’ve visited Gustavus. No more scheduled visits but I’m planning on visiting many more I jut don’t know which ones,” Gavin said.